Bioethics
The Bioethics Committee is responsible for reviewing a patient's medical information and treatment and providing the family and healthcare team with bioethical options to guide treatment. The Bioethics Consultation Team makes recommendations regarding treatment. The final decisions are made together by the family and the healthcare team.
Sometimes during the course of care, many difficult decisions need to be made, and it may be hard to know which decisions are best for the patient. Anyone can ask for a bioethics consultations when there is a question regarding which plan of care would best benefit your child.
The Bioethics Consultation Team is composed of physicians, nurses, social workers and clergy who have received special training in resolving ethical issues. A team of three people will review each case, interview the care team and family, and research the related bioethical issues. Options will then be presented to the family and care team.
If you think this service could be of help to you, ask a member of your care team (social worker, nurse, charge nurse or physician) or the chaplain to arrange a bioethics consultation for you. The team is available to provide assistance and support during this difficult time of your child’s hospitalization.
Obtaining a Bioethics Consultation
The Bioethics Committee consists of hospital employees and medical staff representing a variety of disciplines. A sub-group of specially trained committee members (the Bioethics Consult Team) are available for bioethical consultation.
Bioethics consults can offer:
- clarification of the bioethical issue(s)
- tools for decision-making in the context of ethical dilemmas
- bioethical guidance or support for staff and families
Bioethics consults may be requested by physicians, a member of the healthcare team or any Hospital employee. To initiate the consultation process, contact:
- Any member of the Bioethics Committee during working hours.
- The House Supervisor at any time.
The patient's attending physician will be notified by the Bioethics Consult Team prior to initiation of a bioethics consultation.